Erny

"Such aversives"? You mean the feeling (unpleasant as it may be) of a tingle or a flea bite? Compared to what? A longer time without the enjoyment of off-lead running, assuming that is, that off-lead becomes possible at all? Who said they were the "bee all and end all of everything"? Ummm .... when it comes to dogs, you can't avoid that. Unless you simply set the dog free .... totally. Of course we have to impose our free will as we have brought them to a world of humans, one they are not born to with an automatic understanding. No flames. But this last is somewhat 'out there' as a seemingly over-reactive response to someone who simply suggested that they find the e-collar very useful in successfully training (re-training) an off-lead recall.

Doesn't sound like a very good quality collar, Corvus ... and if the contact isn't great, it doesn't sound as though it is fitted properly (this in itself would be human error). In addition, it must be a very old or cheaper quality collar if it is activated by sound rather than by vibration.

Good post Huski. I agree that the sonic ones don't have a great reputation for success rate. They sometimes work initially, but that's only due to the novel startle effect of the sound it emits. Once they get a bit used to that, they often learn to ignore the sound. I also agree that excessive barking is more commonly and successfully resolved by use of the electronic style anti-bark collars. My preference is for the style that is (apart from good quality) one which allows the stim level to be manually set to suit the dog. The problem with multiple dog households is that you need to be careful that the dog who receives the stim from it does not associate the stim as coming from (say) one of the other dogs standing next to or very nearby him/her, rather than from the action of barking itself. So yes, it can be a bit tricky. There are the anti-bark spray collars .... their success rate is certainly better than the sonic device, but not as good as the electronic anti-bark collar. The spray collar might be less likely to be pared as coming from another dog. It's not just a matter of addressing the symptom of barking though ..... the OP would do well to consider why the dogs might be barking and address that cause AS WELL.

Are you sure? I haven't seen this "stopper" on any head collar (Black Dog inclusive). Perhaps it is a new version of the Black Dog (regular) head collar? Are you sure you're not referring to the slider that is used to fit the muzzle strap so that it is not too loose on the dog?

You have got to be joking and taking the piss. If you can't get a new dog to do any of these things without an e- collar then what I joked about in another thread then you should really do and that is get some gold fish. Or do you just like to throw in comments in threads that you know will get you attention. Midol didn't say you can't get the recall without an e-collar :D so I don't see how he is "taking the piss" as you say. Although you are entitled to your opinion, assuming that's what it was. Just because e-collars might be a controversial training tool to some people doesn't make them a bad training tool, nor the mention of them some sort of cry for attention either. . They are an excellent and efficient training tool for the recall though, especially when the problem is an off-lead one and the dog has had the opportunity to learn it. I do like the on-lead foundation work to be solid before people begin using an e-collar though (the way I use it is on low stim/negative reinforcement, so it is quite a gentle method with minimum stress). A good part of the reason for this is that this teaches the HANDLER the time to build (in him/herself) the skill and co-ordination of lead handling, timing, command and reward delivery ..... all of which is necessary for good training anyway, regardless of which training tool is used. If that was all in place then I don't see a problem with going to a training tool that may likely be the best one for the job. True ..... the handler/owner needs to be interested enough to learn about its good use though. Reality_22 .... the clicker is only a marker for the right behaviour. It is not a training method in itself. Some people like to use it - I think because it helps them with 'timing' in marking the right behaviour, but that's all it does. Personally, I don't use them. I think that apart from training, it would also be advantageous to check out your relationship with your dog to ensure that it is as it should be. It is hard to train a dog well if something isn't right in the relationship. There are numerous ways to train (including the recall). Which one is the best one for you and your dog is what needs to be decided upon and you are definitely part of the equation in that decision .

Are you sure that the chewing of his feet isn't a behaviour based in anxiety rather than allergy related? When you go out 'walking' in the rain, make it REALLY fun!!! Even in the backyard (unless it is the grass there that is the actual cause of the foot chewing) .... go out, play ball, tug, or whatever floats his boat (throw in a bit of fun training in between ). If the grass is the 'suspect', perhaps rinsing his feet off using a skin soothing wash after you've been out there might help? (Check with your Vet on this.)

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Isn't that 'over kill' (no pun intended) as far as worming is concerned though? Effectively it means the dogs are given 3 times more the dosage of worming drugs than would otherwise be prescribed under the usual worming regime.

For some dogs, moving house is quite unsettling. It would be more beneficial for your friends to get in the help of a reputable behaviourist as nothing beats actual observation of the dog. In the interim of that, your friends should ensure that their behaviour towards their dog is calm but assertive. Don't know what their interaction with their dog is like at the moment, but following the NILIF program never goes astray. Please advise your friend to avoid reinforcing her dog's distressed behaviour by cooching to it. Be matter of fact and when the dog shows calm (or at the very least, improved behaviour that is reaching towards calm), then praise the dog (perhaps after it giving a 'sit' or something it knows and finds easy to give). Your friend could try giving the Tranquil Paste (which works on enhancing tryptophan .... which in turn produces seretonin, which is the brain chemical that switches on the 'calm' part of the brain and makes us feel more relaxed) and this might help some, but I would also work what I've mentioned above. Otherwise following as normal a routine as possible (including daily walks; play in the back yard; etc) and such like might also aid in your friend's dog feeling a bit more at home.

Yes - it is still possible. Don't forget that head collars, when applied, cause discomfort/pain to the dog. It is an aversive tool although there are many people who promote it as a "positive" training tool. So even IF the muzzle strap did not in itself close the dog's mouth (which it still can) the fact the dog receives the P+ effect from the head collar would add to the discouragement of barking. Amongst other things you need to be careful that the dog isn't accidentally made to bite its own tongue though and you need to watch the handlers' timing. Head collars should not be used with quick, sharp movements. Yet the handler needs to convey the punishment of the head collar at the time of the dog's barking which in itself can be quite quick.

No worries 4paws. I edited my above post I think before you had a chance to see it. Just curious regards to what Delta teaches in relation to head collars.

The "Halti" brand's muzzle tends to be further down the dog's nose than the GL or the BD (although BD has the capacity to be further down the dog's nose than the GL). I am speaking generally of course. So if the only reason you are thinking of using a head collar is for the barking issue, I would probably like to investigate the Halti. However, how this fits on the dog as well as the dog's temperament needs to be taken into account. Being further down the dog's muzzle means it is easier for the dog to slip the muzzle. So you really need to take all factors into account. Note though that I'm not advising on your 'use' of the head collar, only answering your direct question in relation to different brand styles. If you understand how each brand style differs and the effect/affect (ie pros/cons) of this, it helps you give the right advice to your clients and to determine which head collar would be the best for their dog/s. What did the Delta Course teach you in relation to head collars? Did they cover several brand styles, or only discuss the one? Also note that no head collar should be regarded as a muzzle.

..... when my 'time' is up and I come back as my dog (which is what I would want .... such an good life even if I do say so myself ), I wonder if I can request a completely different cuisine. I hope so. I know the dogs love it, but meat is so gross.

Yes - it would have similar action. As to which brand you use (if you're going to use one) depends on what fits the dog the best. If you've not used a head collar before I would strongly recommend you have at least one lesson tutoring you on how the head-collar should fit, how to use it and how NOT to use it.

That depends on whether you're in a minority 'group' or a majority. I think that democracy is sometimes lost when it comes to politics and politicians.

It works either way. It provides fibre, which helps with bowel motions.

Until his legs straightened out, I kept him strictly on Eagle Pack Holistic select (giant & large breed puppies .... he's a RR). What I was feeding was endorsed by my Vet and also by some research that I did. I've had a quick look for the link to one website, which I found very helpful. Can't find it in the few moments that I have at the moment but will return here to put it up when I can. Basically it referenced Carpal Laxity Syndrome and strongly recommended feeding Eagle Pack for those Countries that could source it, but also gave dietary info for those countries who could not. My boy was underweight when I got him (3.5 kgs at 8 wo) and I had to be very careful about finding the balance of putting on weight but not too fast, even though it was needed. Bone growth was the primary concern along with him being healthy if still too thin. If I fed too much it would go to growth spurts, so I needed him to grow, but slowly.

I think I'll be resorting to some of those too. Do you think it reduces the numbers that are attracted to the dog's bones/meals though? I gave my boy some cantelope and noticed the wasps were going crazy for that too, even whilst he was eating it. Obviously the sweetness is another attractor. Washed his bowl out as soon as he'd finished the pieces. Yes - I do believe the extreme weather we've been having is playing a part in the increase of wasp activity and numbers. Dang the day whoever it was brought the european wasp into our country :.

Initially, focus was mainly on diet. Pup could exercise at will, but minimum to no forced exercise (and if we did any, it was done very carefully). That's the exercise I'm doing now (chest height wading) although that's for his back legs. His front legs have straightened out (they were quite dramatic in their knucking over and bowing out) although the lower tendons need to become stronger and the wading in chest height water will help them too. They are improving over time though. I travel to the beach frequently for his exercise. Local hydro-pool is too expensive for regular and frequent visits. I'm going to see Dr. Bruce Syme next week. Just as a back up opinion and advice regards diet (to ensure that I'm giving the most balanced that I can). I believe diet has much to do with the condition. But the right exercise is relevant as well. Avoid (big time) slippery floors. From day dot my polished floor boards were covered with rubber backed carpet pieces that I purchased from Clark Rubber; tiled areas covered with tile matting that I purchased through Bunnings and my decking is covered in rubber matting also purchased from Bunnings. Trying to walk on slippery surfaces is a BIG no no.

Hhhhhmmm .... Club dark chocolate coupled with a licorice piece (yep, both together) will have to do as that's all I've got. I'll have that after dinner which comprises of a Mexican pasta dish followed by cantelope with water mellon balls topped with a good dollop of crem de menthe flavoured cream. (Have a friend coming over for dinner.) I think all of that should see me right. Although I might end up needing a dose of steamed pumpkin myself tomorrow, given that I am a lousy cook .

I'm one of the lucky ones. The closest fire reached a point about 4kms away from me and the biggest affect (apart from emotionally) from the major fires is the smoke that is now blanketing our area. Do you think I qualify for some chocolate too, PF??? Maybe not the reaaaallly good stuff. Maybe the ordinary but nice stuff? Please? Hope the pumpkin works for your dog and the chocolate for you Kirsilin. I've been hearing more stories this morning (they keep unfolding), one of which was how a family was 'stuck' with no escape from the fires, but I think it was the Mother's son (or OH ... sorry, missed that bit) who was at work, organised a private helicopter charter to get them out. The son and the chopper company negotiated their whereabouts by using google earth and managed to airlift them and get them out and away safely. The chopper company then went on to help other people similarly and refuses to take any money for their work. The chopper company doesn't want to be named. Guesses are that what they did was essentially against the law. Personally, I don't care and I think they deserve a medal, whoever they are. I wish them good returns ten fold ETA: Oops .... that story didn't really deserve to be listed under a title heading "soft runny stools" . Sorry.

Skip .... you might find the information THIS interesting. Relates to heartworm preventative drugs. Also have a read of Dr. Jean Dodd's vaccination protocols .... Dr Jean Dodds Vaccine Protocol

You could try giving him some plain cooked pumpkin (I usually steam mine). This often helps a lot with either constipation or diarrhea. Hope you're ok Kirislin.

Was just about to post that this is what I thought the 'wobble' sounded like too. My boy has had it and whilst it has remedied over time for the most part, I am still working on and mindful of suitable exercise for him. In my boy's case, he was quite severe compared to the OP's. Glad it was a better outcome than what your original Vet had diagnosed.

Do birds or certain birds eat wasps?